Most softball teams will have at least one area of weakness, but teams that succeed find a way to improve in those areas.
That’s exactly what Niles West was able to do with its defense as the season progressed. Through continued hard work — and with the confidence that comes through experience — the Wolves played better defense down the stretch and claimed their first regional title since 2007.
“There were times where we were really inconsistent on defense,” coach Chrissy Rosin said. “Ultimately, our skill and athleticism came out. It became a full team effort, and those regional games were well played on defense.”
Even though the season ended abruptly with a 16-1 home loss to Whitney Young on May 29, the Wolves have plenty of highlights to carry them through the offseason.
Niles West (16-14) rallied to win in the regional semifinals and the final. The first win — 11-10 against Taft on May 23 — was of the back-and-forth variety. The Wolves then scored five unanswered runs and climbed back to beat Loyola 5-4 the next day in the Class 4A Niles West Regional final.
Niles West made a habit of storming back to win this season. Rosin called the Wolves’ game against Maine South on April 25 the season’s “turning point.” They tied the game in the seventh inning, then won it in the eighth. It was their third of five come-from-behind victories.
“They were just fighters who would compete as hard as they could,” Rosin said. “I was proud that after that game we felt like we could hang with anyone.”
Maddy Tan figured prominently in both playoff victories as a relief pitcher. The sophomore occasionally started when go-to sophomore Kira Hoffman wasn’t pitching, but very rarely did Tan ever come out of the bullpen.
But Rosin summoned her on those consecutive days, and the result was the spark the Wolves needed.
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“I was a little nervous at first, coming in in situations that I wasn’t used to,” Tan said. “They were the biggest games of the year, and my team needed me. I settled down, and I was pumped up after we came back.”
Tan held opponents at bay, and the Wolves also stepped up on offense. They were a strong team at the plate all season.
Niles West scored 249 runs this season, an average of more than eight per game. Tan was a key part in the Wolves’ offense as the team’s leadoff hitter. She was effective in setting the table in a variety of ways for Wolves hitters deeper in the batting order. Besides hitting her way on, Tan was hit by a pitch 13 times and also used her 5-foot frame to coax frequent walks from opposing pitchers.
“My whole mindset was to just get on base however I could,” Tan said. “I knew that people behind me would bring me home.”
Following Tan in the order were two juniors: third baseman and base-stealing threat Katie Trail, and catcher Julia Ruth, who ripped seven home runs. Rosin singled out junior shortstop Alana Mras for her defense in the infield, and also for her leadership.
And since none of those players are graduating, the Wolves are poised for another successful season in 2020.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how good we can be,” Tan said. “Everyone coming back will hopefully improve, too.”